Apparatus and method for securing a plasma torch electrode

ABSTRACT

An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a generally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electrically conductive material. The elongated body includes a proximal end that connects to a power supply and a distal end that receives an emissive element. The electrode can include a flange that is disposed about a surface relative to the distal end of the elongated body, extends radially from the surface of the elongated body, and is utilized to establish a uniform gas flow distribution of a plasma gas flow about the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode can include a contact element that is in electrical communication with the proximal end of the electrode. The contact element includes seating portion that has an outer width that is greater than the outermost diameter of the electrode body and is configured to position the contact element within the plasma arc torch.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/847,844, filed on Jul. 18, 2013, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to enhanced features for plasma arc torchelectrodes and methods for promoting symmetrical plasma gas flow in aplasma arc torch and aligning an electrode within a plasma arc torch.

BACKGROUND

Material processing apparatus, such as torch systems (e.g., plasma torchsystems) and lasers, are widely used in the welding, cutting, andmarking of materials commonly known as workpieces. A typical plasmatorch system can include elements such an electrode and a nozzle havinga central exit orifice mounted within a torch body, electricalconnections, passages for cooling, passages for arc control fluids(e.g., plasma gas), and a power supply.

The plasma arc can be generated in various ways. For example, an arc canbe generated between the electrode and the nozzle by means of any of avariety of contact starting methods. Contact start methods often involveestablishing a physical contact and/or an electrical communicationbetween the electrode and the nozzle and creating a current path betweenthese two elements (the electrode and the nozzle).

The electrode and the nozzle are often arranged such that they create agas chamber within the torch body. The chamber is often arranged suchthat it can receive a pressurized gas (plasma gas). Gas pressure in thechamber can increase until it reaches a point at which the gas pressureis sufficient to separate the contact between the electrode and thenozzle. This separation causes a plasma arc to be formed between theelectrode (cathode) and the nozzle (anode) in the plasma chamber.

The plasma arc, typically, includes a constricted ionized jet of a gaswith high temperature and high momentum. The arc ionizes the plasma gasto produce a plasma jet that can be transferred to the work piece formaterial processing.

Certain components of a material processing device (e.g., plasma arctorch) can deteriorate over time from use. These components aretypically referred to as “consumables.” Typical torch consumables caninclude the electrode, swirl ring, nozzle, and shield.

In addition, in the process of starting a plasma arc torch, theconsumables can become misaligned. Such misalignments can reduce thelife expectancy of torch consumables and reduce the accuracy andrepeatability of plasma jet location. Although these consumablecomponents can be easily replaceable in the field, replacing consumablecomponents can lead to down time and reduced productivity. Therefore,proper alignment of the electrode within the plasma arc torch isessential to ensure reasonable consumable life and cut accuracy.

Further, inconsistencies in plasma gas flow patterns can adverselyaffect torch performance by reducing torch cutting speed and consumablelife expectancy. Therefore, maintaining a symmetrical plasma pattern canbe important for achieving reasonable plasma cutting performance.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments described herein relate to obtaining improved torchperformance and consumable life expectancy is achieved by utilizingelectrode features that promote a uniform gas flow distribution of theplasma gas.

In one aspect, an electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a generallycylindrical elongated body, a flow passage, and a flange. The electrodebody is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes aproximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the electrode body caninclude an emissive insert. The flow passage is disposed about a firstsurface relative to the proximal end of the elongated body and isarranged to direct a cooling gas flow about the first surface of theelongated body. The flange is disposed between the flow passage and thedistal end of the elongated body. The flange extends radially from asecond surface of the elongated body and is configured to establish asubstantially symmetrical gas flow distribution of a plasma gas flowabout the distal end of the elongated body.

In another aspect, an electrode for a plasma arc torch can include agenerally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electricallyconductive material, a spiral flow passage, and a radial extension. Theelongated body includes a fore end that connects to a power supply ofthe plasma arc torch and an aft end that receives an emissive element.The spiral flow passage is disposed about a first surface relative tothe fore end of the elongated body and is configured to forward acooling gas flow about the first surface of the elongated body. Theradial extension is disposed on a second surface of the elongated bodypositioned between the spiral flow passage and the aft end of theelongated body and is configured to establish a substantially uniformdistribution of a plasma gas flow about the aft end of the elongatedbody.

Yet in another aspect, an electrode for a plasma arc torch can include agenerally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electricallyconductive material and a flange. The elongated body can have a proximalend arranged to connect to a power supply of the plasma arc torch and adistal end arranged to receive an emissive element. The flange isdisposed about a surface relative to the distal end of the elongatedbody. The flange can extend radially from the surface of the elongatedbody and can be configured to establish a uniform gas flow distributionof a plasma gas flow about the distal end of the elongated body.

In another aspect, a method for increasing a uniformity of a plasma gasflow at a distal end of an electrode for a plasma arc torch isdescribed. A supply gas flow is introduced adjacent a radial extensiondisposed at a distal surface near a distal end of a body of an electrodebody having an emissive element. The supply gas flow is divided into aplasma gas flow and a cooling gas flow. The cooling gas flow is directedto a flow passage that is disposed on a proximal surface of theelectrode body and positioned relative to a proximal end of theelectrode body. The flow passage directs the cooling gas flow about theproximal surface of the electrode to cool the proximal surface of theelectrode. The plasma gas is flown over the radial extension to separatea radially symmetrical gas flow distribution of the plasma gas flowabout the distal end of the electrode from the cooling gas flow.

In one aspect, an electrode for a plasma arc torch can include anelectrically conductive body having a central axis disposed between afirst end and a second end and a contact element in electricalcommunication with the first end of the conductive body. The conductivebody can be moveable along the central axis within a hollow torch memberand the second end of the conductive body can be configured to receivean emissive element. The contact element can include a proximal end anda distal end. The distal portion can be configured to provide the torchcurrent to the first end of the conductive body of the electrode. Theproximal end can include a head portion that receives a torch currentfrom a torch body within the torch. The proximal end of the contactelement can have a feature at an outer circumference of the head portionthat secures the electrode at an end of the hollow torch member. Theproximal end of the contact element and the feature can create a surfacethat has a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the hollow torchmember.

In another aspect, an electrode for a plasma arc torch can include anelectrically conductive body and a contact element. The electricallyconductive body can have outermost diameter, a first end, and a secondend. The second end of the conductive body can be configured to receivean emissive element. The contact element is in electrical communicationwith the first end of the conductive body of the electrode and includesa proximal end, a seating portion, and a distal portion. The proximalend includes a head portion that includes a torch body contact surfaceconfigured to receive a torch current from the torch. The seatingportion includes an outer width that is greater than the outermostdiameter of the electrode body and is configured to position the contactelement within the plasma arc torch. The distal portion includes acontact surface that is configured to slideably engage with theelectrode body and to provide the torch current to the first end of theconductive body.

In yet another aspect, a swirl ring for a plasma arc torch can include ahollow body having a first end and a second end. The hollow body can bedimensioned to receive an electrode for the plasma arc torch. The firstend of the hollow body can be disposed proximate to a torch body contactsurface and include a nesting region configured to conform with andengage a surface of a contact element of the electrode to axially alignthe contact element and the second end of the hollow body can have aninner surface adjacent to an outer surface of the electrode body.

In another aspect, a method for aligning an electrode within a plasmaarc torch is featured. The electrode includes a contact element and anelongated body. The electrode can be inserted into a first end of ahollow body of a replaceable component such that the elongated bodyextends into the hollow body and the contact element engages the firstend. The contact element can be secured between the hollow body and atorch structure. The torch structure can have a longitudinal axisextending therethrough. The contact element is secured such that itcauses alignment of the elongated body along the longitudinal axis byenabling mated contact of a surface of the contact element with acorresponding surface of the hollow body.

In other examples, any of the aspects above, or any apparatus or methoddescribed herein, can include one or more of the following features.

The flow passage can include at least one spiral groove disposed aboutthe first surface of the elongated body. The radial height defined bythe flow passage can be larger than a radial height defined by theflange. The flow passage can include one or more fins disposed about thefirst surface of the elongated body. The flange can be arranged tosubstantially maintain a pressure of the plasma gas flow along theelongated body. For example, the flange can be arranged to ensure thatthe plasma gas flow experiences very low (e.g., zero or approximatelyzero) pressure drop across the flange.

The flange can be configured to extend circumferentially along thesecond surface of the elongated body. The flange can include one or morediscontinuities along its surface. The flange can be arranged tosubstantially isolate a non-symmetrical flow pattern of the cooling gasfrom the substantially symmetrical plasma gas flow distribution.

The radial extension can extend circumferentially around the secondsurface of the elongated body. The spiral flow passage can include twoor more spiral flow grooves and the flow grooves can be uniformlydistributed about the first surface of the electrode body. The radialextension can be used to substantially isolate a non-symmetrical flowpattern of the cooling gas flow from the radially symmetrical plasma gasflow circulating about the distal end of the electrode.

The distal portion of the contact element can include a neck portionhaving a central axis that aligns with the central axis of theconductive body. The neck portion of the contact element can beconfigured to moveably engage the conductive body. The contact elementcan be secured within the electrode body.

The feature can align the contact element and the hollow torch memberwith the central axis of electrode body. The hollow torch member can bea swirl ring.

The outer width of the seating portion of the contact element can havean outer diameter defining a circumferential flange. The seating portioncan include at least one of an alignment ridge, a step, a pattern, akey-way, or a slot. The perimeter of the outer width can benon-circular.

The electrode body can include a cooling structure and the outermostdiameter of the electrode body is an outer diameter of the coolingstructure. The cooling structure can include a spiral groove. Theelectrode can include a resilient element that is positioned to bias thecontact element away from the conductive electrode body.

The nesting surface can fixedly secure the contact element of theelectrode between the first end of the hollow body and the torch bodycontact surface. The nesting surface can include a contour, step orflange configured to radially align the contact element. The nestingsurface can include a feature that is configured to promote alignment ofa component of the plasma arc torch with a longitudinal axis of thehollow body. The hollow body can be a replaceable component of theplasma arc torch. The replaceable component can be a swirl ring.

The contact element can be secured by attaching a retaining cap toretain the electrode and replaceable component within the plasma arctorch. The contact element can be secured by applying a compressionforce along the longitudinal axis that promotes transverse alignment ofthe electrode. The contact element can be radially aligned within thehollow body by enabling mated contact of the surface of the contactelement with the corresponding surface of the hollow body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of the invention described above, together with furtheradvantages, may be better understood by referring to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Thedrawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally beingplaced upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a plasma arc torch.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a plasma arc torch.

FIG. 1C is an illustration of a proximal end of an electrode that can beused with a contact start plasma torch.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an electrode having a spiral flowpassage.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the spiral electrode shown in FIG.2A.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative example of a side view of an electrodeaccording to some embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the electrode shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an illustrative example of a side view of an electrode forpromoting cooling gas symmetry according to some embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom view of the example electrode shown in FIG.4A.

FIG. 5A is a chart that compares the average life span of a traditionalelectrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A) to the life span of an electrode(e.g., shown in FIG. 3A) developed according to some embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 5B is a chart that compares the average cutting speed obtainedusing a torch utilizing a traditional electrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A)to the average cutting speed obtained using a torch utilizing anelectrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 3A) developed according to someembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6A illustrates a plasma flow pattern that can be obtained using anelectrode having similar features to the electrode described in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6B illustrates a plasma flow pattern that can be obtained using atraditional electrode under similar conditions as those utilized inobtaining the pattern shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a plasma flow pattern that can be obtained using anelectrode having similar features to the electrode described in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6D illustrates a plasma flow pattern that can be obtained using atraditional electrode under similar conditions as those utilized inobtaining the pattern shown in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6E illustrates a plasma flow pattern that can be obtained using anelectrode having similar features to the electrode described in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6F illustrates a plasma flow pattern that can be obtained using atraditional electrode under similar conditions as those utilized inobtaining the pattern shown in FIG. 6E.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative example of a plasma arc torch having anelectrode according to certain embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 includes a detailed illustration of an example of a relationshipthat can be established between an electrode and a swirl ring accordingto some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9A is a comparison chart that compares electrode misalignmentsobserved when using a traditional electrode with misalignments observedwhen using an electrode configured according to certain embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 9B is a comparison chart that compares the standard deviation ofthe plasma torch cutting speed when using a traditional electrode withstandard deviation of the plasma torch cutting speed observed when usingan electrode configured according to certain embodiments disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is an example of a plasma torch 10 that can be used with theembodiments disclosed herein. The torch 10 can include a torch body 12and have an inner component 12 a and an outer component 12 b.

The consumable components of the torch 10 can include a swirl ring 18,nozzle 20, electrode 22, and shield (cap) 24. The swirl ring 18 can besecured to the lower end of the inner body component 12 a. The nozzle 20can have a central plasma arc exit orifice 20 a and be arranged suchthat it is captured by the shield 24 and held in place. The shield 24 isoften threaded onto the outer body component 12 b at its lower end.

The electrode 22 is typically made of an electrically conductivematerial and arranged to be movable within the swirl ring 18 such thatwhen in a starting position (e.g., shown in FIG. 1), the lower end ofthe electrode 22 a can close off the nozzle 20 and when in a raisedoperating position, the exit orifice 20 a is open and an upper end ofthe electrode 22 a″ either abuts or is near the lower end of the innerbody component 12 a. This raising movement of the electrode can beaccomplished using fluid forces.

Specifically, in a typical plasma arc torch 10, a flow of pressurizedplasma supply gas 26 is directed to a plasma chamber 36 located betweenthe electrode 22 and the nozzle 20. For example, in the torch shown inFIG. 1, the pressurized plasma gas flow 26 enters the torch 10 via apassage 28, port or ports 30, an annular passage 32, passes through thecanted ports 34, and enters the plasma chamber 36.

The electrode 22 is surrounded by the swirl ring 18 and includes a gasflow passage 48, positioned on an outer side surface of the electrode22. The flow passage 48 can divert a portion of the supply gas flow 26,through the electrode, to cool the electrode. The diverted gas serves asa cooling gas for the electrode 22 and is ultimately forwarded to aregion above the electrode where the gas is vented to atmosphere.

The electrode flow passage 48 (e.g., a spiral flow passage) can includea spiral groove formed on the outer side walls of the shoulder portion22 b of the electrode 22. The spiral grooves are arranged to direct thecooling gas flow through the electrode body and provide the electrode 22with a cooling effect.

Therefore, a typical plasma arc torch 10 can include at least two typesof gas flow: the pressured plasma gas 26 and the cooling gas. Thepressurized plasma gas 26 is directed along the torch 10, near the lowerend of the electrode 22 a, to the plasma chamber 36 and the nozzle 20.The cooling gas 26 is directed along the torch 10, through the electrode22, and towards the upper end of the electrode 22 a″.

FIG. 1B is an example of a contact start plasma arc torch 100 prior topilot arc operation. A similar contact start plasma torch is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,115,136, assigned to Hypertherm, Inc., of Hanover,N.H., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thetorch 100 includes an electrode body 102, a resilient conductive element104, and a power contact 106 mounted within the torch body 100. A nozzle144 and a swirl ring 146 are also mounted to the torch body 100. Thepower contact 106 is positioned, relatively stationary with respect tothe moveable electrode body 102, opposite from the distal end 112 of theelectrode body 102 (e.g., at the back end of the torch 100).

The distal end 112 of the electrode body 102 includes an emissiveelement 148 substantially aligned with respect to an exit orifice 150 ofthe nozzle 144. The emissive element 148 and the exit orifice 150 can besubstantially centered about the longitudinal axis A. The swirl ring 146is arranged such that it can restrain radial motion of the electrodebody 102 within the torch body 100. For example, the swirl ring 146 canbe manufactured to permit a relatively small gap between the swirl ring146 and one or more radial fins 152 of the electrode body 102.

The resilient conductive element 104 reacts against the reaction surfaceof the electrode body 102 and against the surface 114 of the powercontact 106 to urge the electrode body 102 into abutting relation withthe nozzle 144. Gas can flow into a plasma chamber 154 formed betweenthe electrode body 102 and the nozzle 144, and a pilot current is passedfrom the power supply (not shown) to the power contact 106.

Gas pressure can build within the plasma chamber 154 until the pressureis sufficient to overcome the force provided by the resilient conductiveelement 104. The gas pressure moves the electrode body 102 away from thenozzle 144 and into an abutting relationship with the power contact 106.The electrode body 102 moves substantially along the longitudinal axisA. As the electrode body 102 is moved away from the nozzle 144 by gaspressure, an arc is generated or initiated in the plasma chamber 154.The arc ionizes the gas within the plasma chamber 154 to form a plasmaarc or jet that exits the orifice 150 of the nozzle 244 and istransferred to the workpiece (not shown).

The resilient conductive element 104 can be configured to passsubstantially all of the pilot current between the power contact 106 andthe electrode body 102. The resilient conductive element 104 can beformed from a material that facilitates both carrying the electricalcurrent or load associated with initiating a pilot arc and dissipatingthermal heat associated with the current to prevent the resilientconductive element from melting during pilot arc operation. The materialof the resilient conductive element 104 can be selected, for example,based on the current rating of the material. The resilient conductiveelement 104 can serve as the path of least resistance and/or highestconductance between the power contact 106 and the electrode body 102.Additionally, the mechanical properties of the resilient conductiveelement 104 facilitate movement of the electrode body for contactstarting the plasma arc torch. The resilient element can further aid inaligning the electrode body relative to the torch.

FIG. 1C is an illustration of a proximal end 108 of an electrode thatcan be used with a contact start plasma torch such as that shown in FIG.1B. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrode body 172, resilientconductive element 170, and the contact element 196 do not form anintegral assembly. More particularly, the contact element 196 can befreely disengaged from the resilient conductive element 170 and theelectrode body 172 (e.g., the receptacle 194).

The proximal end 108 of the electrode body 172 can define a lip 186adjacent the receptacle 194 that extends axially along the longitudinalaxis A. The lip 186 can be formed from the same piece of material as theelectrode body 172. The contact element 196 can be retained with respectto the electrode body 172 (e.g., a portion of the electrode body 172hinders disengagement of the contact element 196 from the electrode body172). For example, the connective member 198 and the aligning portion180 can be positioned within the receptacle 194. The contact element 196is pressed against the electrode body 172 such that the second surface190 of the contact element 196 engages the lip 186 as the second surface190 advances into physical contact with the contact surface 182 of theelectrode body 172. The engagement between the second surface 190 andthe lip 186 deforms the lip 186 into the adjacent receptacle 194 toenable facing physical contact between the second surface 190 of thecontact element 178 and the contact surface 182 of the electrode body172.

The resilient conductive element 170 can be disposed between theelectrode body 172 (e.g., in physical contact with the flange 192) andthe contact element 196 (e.g., in physical contact with the secondsurface 190) prior to deforming the lip 186. The resilient conductiveelement 170 can be captured between the contact element 196 and theelectrode body 172. The contact surface 182 can hinder disengagement ofthe slideably mounted contact element 196 from the electrode body 172.The power contact 106 can be electrically connected with the electrodebody 172 via a top surface of contact element 178 and possibleseparations between the top surface and the power contact 106 can causearcing.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a side view of an electrode 200 havinga spiral flow passage 48. FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view 200 of thespiral electrode shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2A, in a typicalspiral electrode, cooling gas flow enters the electrode 22 from astarting/entry point 210 located on one side of the electrode 22. Thiscan result in possible inconsistencies and non-uniformities in the flowpattern of the cooling gas being directed through the electrode 22 flowpassage 48. The non-uniform flow pattern of the cooling gas can, inturn, influence the plasma gas flow 26 being directed through the swirlring 18 to the plasma chamber 36 and result in inconsistencies andasymmetries in the flow pattern of the plasma gas 26 in the plasma arctorch. Such inconsistencies and/or asymmetries in the flow pattern ofthe plasma gas 26 can in turn reduce the cutting performance of theplasma arc torch, its cutting speed, and the life expectancies of itsconsumable components.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative example of a side view of an electrode 300according to some embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 3B illustrates abottom view of the example electrode 300 shown in FIG. 3A. As shown inFIG. 3A, the electrode 300 includes a flow passage 310 and a flange 320.The flow passage is positioned on the surface 309 of the electrode bodyin an area adjacent to the distal end 305 of the electrode body. Theflow passage 310 can include one or more fins disposed about the surface309 of the electrode body. The fins can have an initial size and ramp up(increase) in size as they transition away from the flange 319 to theproximal end 305 of the electrode. The flow passage can be a spiral flowpassage.

The flange 320 is positioned on the surface 319 of the electrode body,in an area between the flow passage 310 and the proximal end 315 of theelectrode body. The flange 320 can be an external flange that extendsout of the surface 319 of the electrode body. The flange can be arrangedsuch that it extends radially and/or circumferentially relative to thesurface of the electrode body. The flange can include one or moreirregularities about its perimeter. The flange can be non-contiguous orcontinuous.

A supply flow of gas can be introduced from various points to the plasmaarc torch. For example, the supply flow can be introduced to the plasmatorch near an edge of the flange 320 (the direction generally shown byarrow 302) resulting a portion of the supply flow to be forwardedtowards the proximal end 315 of the electrode to serve as the plasma gas26. Another portion of the supply flow can be forwarded towards thedistal end 305 of the electrode to enter the flow passage 310 and serveas a cooling gas. Alternatively/additionally, the supply gas flow can beintroduced at a point between the proximal end 315 of the electrode 300and the flange 320. When applied under such conditions, the supply flowis separated by the flange 320 such that a portion of it is forwarded tothe flow passage 310 to serve as cooling gas and another portion isforwarded towards the proximal end 315 of the electrode 300 to serve asplasma gas 26.

The flange 320 can improve the symmetry and uniformity of the plasma gasflow 26 in a number of ways. For example, the flange can serve as amedium for separating the plasma gas flow 26 from the cooling gas flow.Since the cooling gas flow can form a large portion of the overall gasflowing in the plasma arc torch, and given that the cooling gas flowingin the flow passage 310 can have an asymmetrical pattern, by separatingthe plasma gas flow 26 from the cooling gas flow, the flange 320isolates the plasma gas flow 26 from asymmetrical influence of thecooling gas, thereby promoting a uniform and symmetrical flow pattern inthe plasma gas 26.

The presence of the flange 320 can also influence the flow pattern ofthe gases circulating in the plasma arc torch 10. Specifically, theflange is positioned such that it can create a certain amount ofturbulence in the flow of the plasma gas 26 that promotes uniformity andsymmetry in the flow pattern of the plasma gas 26. For example, a supplygas introduced to the electrode body in the volume between the flangeand the cooling channel has an increased turbulence and mixing in thisvolume due to the presence of the flange. The increased turbulence andthe pressure drop of the gas as it flows across the flange toward thedistal end of the electrode promotes an increased uniformity of gas flowand velocity about the perimeter of the electrode body as the gas flowstoward the distal end, and the increased uniformity of this plasma gasflow results in improved electrode life and performance.

Although, the flow passage 310 and the flange 320 are shown in FIG. 3Aas two distinct components of the electrode 300, the flange 320 and theflow passage 310 can be portions of the same component. For example, theflange 320 can be included in, be a portion of, and/or be an extensionof the flow passage 310. Further, the flange 320 and the flow passage310 can have various radial heights and/or be positioned at variousdistances relative to each other on the surface of the electrode body.For example, the flow passage 310 can have a radial height that isgreater than the radial height of the flow flange 320. Further, theratio of the electrode surface 319 covered by the flange 320 to theelectrode surface 309 covered by the flow passage 310 can vary.

Plasma gas symmetry and uniformity in the torch 10 can further bepromoted by improving symmetry and uniformity of the cooling gas flowand thereby preventing possible adverse influence on the plasma gasflow. FIG. 4A is an illustrative example of a side view of an electrode400 for promoting cooling gas symmetry according to some embodimentsdisclosed herein. FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom view of the exampleelectrode 400 shown in FIG. 4A.

The flow passage 410 can be a spiral flow passage having two or moreuniformly distributed spiral grooves. The uniformly distributed spiralgrooves allow for the cooling flow to enter the flow passage 410 viauniformly distributed starting points 420 a, 420 b, thereby promoting amore uniform flow of cooling gas in the flow passage 410.

FIG. 5A is a chart that compares the average life span of a traditionalelectrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A) to the life span of an electrode(e.g., shown in FIG. 3A) developed according to some embodimentsdisclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 5A, a traditional electrode can havean average life span of about 2.09 hours. However, a torch electrodehaving a flange, similar to one described in FIG. 3A, can have anaverage life expectancy of about 2.54 hours. This corresponds toapproximately 24 percent increase in the cutting life expectancy of theelectrode, a substantial improvement.

FIG. 5B is a chart that compares the average cutting speed obtainedusing a torch utilizing a traditional electrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A)to the average cutting speed obtained using a torch utilizing anelectrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 3A) developed according to someembodiments disclosed herein. In this experimental analysis, two sets ofeach of the consumables (two sets of each of the electrodes) areutilized in cutting a P/2″ thick mild steel workpieces and theexperiment with each electrode was repeated three times. When using atraditional electrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A), the first electrode(No. 1) reaches a speed of 17 inches/minute in the first experiment, 17inches/minute in the second experiment, and 18 inches/minute in thethird experiment. The second electrode (No. 2) reaches a speed of 17inches/minute in the first experiment, 17 inches/minute in the secondexperiment, and 14 inches/minute in the third experiment. The averagespeed reached using the first electrode is about 16.7 inches/minute andthe standard deviation of the speed reached is about 1.4.

However, when using a traditional electrode (e.g., shown in FIG. 2A),the first electrode (No. 2) reaches a speed of 18 inches/minute in thefirst experiment, 19 inches/minute in the second experiment, and 18inches/minute in the third experiment. The second electrode (No. 2)reaches a speed of 18 inches/minute in the first experiment, 19inches/minute in the second experiment, and 18 inches/minute in thethird experiment. The average speed reached using the first electrode isabout 18.3 inches/minute and the standard deviation of the speed reachedis about 0.5.

Therefore, experimental analysis can be used to demonstrate that anelectrode developed according to some embodiments disclosed herein, suchas that shown in FIG. 3A, can achieve higher and more consistent cuttingspeeds.

FIG. 6A-FIG. 6F illustrate a plasma flow pattern that can be obtainedusing an electrode having similar features (e.g., flange) to theelectrode described in FIG. 3A. The plasma flow pattern is mapped aroundthe tip of the nozzle, adjacent to the distal end of the electrode, ofthe plasma torch utilizing the electrode. FIG. 6A illustrates an exampleof flow pattern for a plasma arc torch. The plot shown in FIG. 6A is aniso-surface plot in which surface velocity is approximately −200 inchper second. FIG. 6B illustrates a plasma flow pattern obtained using atraditional electrode, such as the electrode shown in FIG. 2A. The flowpattern shown in FIG. 6B is obtained using similar velocity conditionsas those used for obtaining the flow pattern shown in FIG. 6A. As shown,the plasma gas flow of FIG. 6A appears to be more uniformly andsymmetrically distributed than the flow shown in FIG. 6B. Similarexperiments can repeated under various surface velocity levels. Forexample, the plasma patterns shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D were obtainedwhile operating under surface velocity of approximately −400 inches persecond using an electrode having a flange (plasma pattern shown in FIG.6C) and an electrode without a flange (plasma pattern shown in FIG. 6D).Similarly, the plasma patterns shown in FIG. 6E and FIG. 6F wereobtained while operating the torch under surface velocity ofapproximately −600 inch per second using an electrode having a flange(plasma pattern shown in FIG. 6E) and an electrode without a flange(plasma pattern shown in FIG. 6F). As shown, the differences in the flowcharacteristics become more apparent as the surface velocity isincreased. Further, the electrode having a flange (e.g., electrode shownin FIG. 3A) provides a more uniform flow around the distal end of theelectrode (as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6E) than a traditional electrode.

In a traditional spring electrode the inner diameter of the swirl ringis larger than the diameter of the electrode plunger (also known ascontact element). Under such setup, while the plasma torch is beingoperated, the pressure force exerted by the pressured plasma gas in theplasma chamber maintains the electrode in place such that the electrodeis in full contact with the contact element and the electrical currentdriving the electrode can pass through the contact area establishedbetween the electrode body and the contact element. Accordingly, verylittle current is passed through the spring that drives the contactelement. However, in low pressure conditions, when the pressure of thegas flow in the plasma chamber falls below a certain threshold (e.g., 20psi), the pressure force exerted by the plasma gas can no longer holdthe electrode in place. This can lead to the separation of the contactelement from the electrode body. For example, the electrode body and thecontact element can separate at one of their contact surfaces. Once thecontact element and the electrode body are separated, the electricalcurrent driving the electrode can pass directly through the spring,generating a large amount of heat in the spring, and possibly causingthe spring to be melted by the heat.

Once the spring is melted, the contact element (e.g., contact element196 of FIG. 1C) can separate from the torch (e.g., power contact 106),removing the contact point previously established between the torch andthe electrode. Given that a large amount of electrical current can bepassing between the contact element 196 and power contact 106, an arccan be generated as the electrode and the torch begin to separate. Thearc can, in turn, generate a large amount of heat, causing the electrodeand other torch portions (e.g., power contact 106, often called acathode) to melt, and possibly result in welding the two piecestogether.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to increasing cutaccuracy of a plasma torch and increasing life expectancy of itsconsumable components by improving alignment of an electrode within theplasma arc torch.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative example of a plasma arc torch 700 having anelectrode 710 according to certain embodiments described herein. Thetorch 700 includes a swirl ring 720 that insulates the electrode 710from the nozzle 740 and can also be utilized to restrain radialmovements of the electrode 710 within the torch 700. The electrode 710,swirl ring 720, and nozzle 740 define a plasma gas chamber 745 thatcontains a pressurized plasma gas flow. The plasma gas can be directedto the plasma gas chamber 745 through the swirl ring. In someimplementations, the swirl ring can have a number of distribution holes,referred to as swirl holes, which are responsible for forwarding theplasma gas.

The first end 715 of the electrode can be coupled with a contact element730. The contact element 730 can be a conductive medium that conducts anelectrical current between a power supply (not shown) and the electrode710.

FIG. 8 includes a detailed illustration of an example of a relationshipthat can be established between an electrode and a swirl ring accordingto some embodiments described herein. The contact element 730 caninclude a proximal end 801 and a distal end 802. The contact element canalso include a head portion 810 and a neck portion 820. The contactelement 730 receives the electrical torch current for driving the torchat its proximal end 801, and directs the electrical current through acontact surface 811 located between the head portion 810 and the neckportion of the contact element 730 to the electrode body 710. The neckportion 820 can include an elongated body having a central axis thataligns with the central axis of the electrode body and is arranged suchthat it engages the electrode body 710 to secure the contact element 730to the electrode body 710.

The contact element 730 can secure the electrode 710 within the torch700 in a number of ways. For example, the contact element 730 can havean outer diameter OD730 that is larger than the inner diameter ID720 ofthe swirl ring 720. The larger diameter contact element 730 can exert amechanical force that prevents the contact element 730 from separatingfrom the torch 700. Accordingly, under such settings, the electricalconnection between the electrode 710 and the torch 700 is independent ofthe pressure in the plasma gas chamber 745 and continues to bemaintained by the mechanical force exerted by the contact element 730.Therefore, in low pressure situations, when the pressure in the plasmagas chamber 745 is below a certain threshold, the larger diametercontact element 730 can inhibit arc generation and/or melting or weldingof torch components by maintaining the contact between the electrode 710and the cathodic torch power block 760.

Further, the head portion 810 can include one or more features 730F foruse in securing the electrode 710. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, thehead portion 810 of the contact element 730 can include one or morefeatures 730F that mate with complementary features 720F in the swirlring 720 to secure the contact element 730 within the torch body 700.The contact element features 730F can include a step formed in the outercircumference of the head portion 810 of the contact element. The swirlring 720 can include a complementary feature 720F, such as acorresponding step, for mating with the feature 730F included in thecontact element 730. The contact element features 730F can includevarious shapes and forms. For example, features such as steps, keys,patterns, key-ways, non-coplanar, slots, tapers, and etc. can be used.In some embodiments, the contact element features 730F can include atapering included in the electrode body 710.

The contact element 730 can include other features and/or extensions forassisting in securing and/or aligning the electrode 710. For example,the head portion 810 of the contact element 730 can include one or moreflanges (not shown) on its outer circumference for securing theelectrode. These flanges can be of external flanges of any shape, type,and/or size (e.g., circumferential or radial flanges can be used) andpositioned in various locations along the outer circumference of thecontact element 730 (e.g., if more than one flange is used, they can bepositioned in an angular spacing with respect to one another). Theaddition of a flange to the outer circumference of the head portion 810of the contact element increases the outer radius of the head portion730 and aids in securing the electrode 710 within the torch 700.

As noted above, in the process of starting a plasma arc torch, theconsumables can become misaligned and such misalignments can reduce thelife expectancy of torch consumables and reduce the accuracy andrepeatability of plasma jet location. Therefore, maintaining thealignment between the nozzle and electrode can also be critical to thecutting performance. This alignment can be maintained in a number ofways. For example, the alignment between the center of the nozzle andcenter of the electrode can be controlled by ensuring that the swirlring and the contact element 730 are coaxially arranged and/or theelectrode face and the swirl ring axis are perpendicularly arranged.

Although possible misalignments in the position of the electrode bodycan be controlled by restraining the electrode in the swirl ring, sucharrangement can cause possible misalignments in the position of thecontact element 730. Misalignments in the position of the contactelement 730 can, in turn, cause difficulties in starting the torch andreduce the reliability of the torch. For example, the electrode plungercan be misaligned relative to the electrode body during assembly (e.g.,while tightening the thread of the torch retaining cap) and/or thebottom portion of the electrode plunger can jam inside the electrodebody, preventing free movement between the electrode body and contactelement 730. This can cause unreliability in starting of the torch sincethe free movement between the electrode body and contact element 730 isnecessary for the starting of the torch.

The swirl ring 720 and contact element 730 of the torch shown in FIG. 7and FIG. 8 can further assist in promoting alignment of the electrode710 within the torch. Specifically, as noted previously, the first end721 of the swirl ring 720 includes a mating surface 720F that isconfigured to conform with and engage the contact element 730. Themating surface 720F secures the contact element 730 between the firstend 721 of the swirl ring 720, thereby securing the electrode 710 withinthe torch body 700. The mating surface 720F of the swirl ring 720 caninclude features such as a contour, step or flange that facilitatemating of swirl ring 720 and the contact element 730. These features ofthe mating surface can further serve to promote alignment of thelongitudinal axis of the electrode 710 with the longitudinal axis of theswirl ring 720.

Experimental analysis can be used to compare the cut consistency andperformance of a traditional electrode with similar performance factorsobtained from an electrode according to some embodiments disclosedherein (e.g., electrode shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

FIG. 9A compares the amounts of misalignment observed in the position ofthe electrode within the nozzle when using a traditional electrodeconfiguration (labeled as “old plunger”) to the misalignments observedin the position of the electrode within the nozzle when using aconfiguration similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 (labeled as “new plunger”). The measurements used to provide thechart shown in FIG. 9A were obtained through nine repeated cut tests ofthe similarly configured workpieces. As shown, the electrodeconfiguration described herein (e.g., electrode shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.8) suffers a smaller amount of misalignments.

FIG. 9B is a comparison chart that compares the standard deviation ofthe plasma torch cutting speed (measured in inches per minute) whenusing a traditional electrode (labeled as “old plunger”) with standarddeviation of the plasma torch cutting speed observed when using anelectrode configured according to certain embodiments disclosed herein,for example when using a configuration similar to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 (labeled as “new plunger”). Themeasurements used to provide the chart shown in FIG. 9B were obtainedthrough nine repeated cut tests of the similarly configured workpieces.As shown, the speed consistency of an electrode having similararrangements as described herein can be as much as twice more than atraditional electrode. Therefore, an electrode configured as disclosedherein can eliminate possible torch starting issues and produce a moreconsistent cut performance by achieving better alignment between theelectrode and the nozzle.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to specific illustrative embodiments, it should be understoodthat various changes in form and detail may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrode for a plasma arc torch comprising:an electrically conductive body having a central axis disposed between afirst end and a second end, the conductive body being moveable along thecentral axis within a hollow torch member, the second end of theconductive body configured to receive an emissive element; and a contactelement in electrical communication with the first end of the conductivebody, the contact element comprising: a proximal end having a headportion configured to receive a torch current from a torch body withinthe torch and a distal portion configured to provide the torch currentto the first end of the conductive body of the electrode; and theproximal end of the contact element having a feature at an outercircumference of the head portion configured to secure the electrode atan end of the hollow torch member, the proximal end of the contactelement and the feature creating a surface having a diameter greaterthan an inner diameter of the hollow torch member.
 2. The electrode ofclaim 1 wherein the distal portion of the contact element comprises aneck portion having a central axis that aligns with the central axis ofthe conductive body, the neck portion of the contact element configuredto moveably engage the conductive body.
 3. The electrode of claim 1wherein the feature is configured to align the contact element and thehollow torch member with the central axis of electrode body.
 4. Theelectrode of claim 1 wherein the hollow torch member is a swirl ring. 5.The electrode of claim 1 further comprising a resilient elementpositioned to bias the contact element away from the conductiveelectrode body.
 6. An electrode for a plasma arc torch comprising: anelectrically conductive body having an outermost diameter, a first endand a second end, the second end of the conductive body configured toreceive an emissive element; and a contact element in electricalcommunication with the first end of the conductive body of theelectrode, the contact element comprising: a proximal end having a headportion comprising a torch body contact surface configured to receive atorch current from the torch; a seating portion having an outer widthgreater than the outermost diameter of the electrode body, the seatingportion configured to position the contact element within the plasma arctorch; and a distal portion comprising a contact surface configured tomoveably engage with the electrode body and to provide the torch currentto the first end of the conductive body.
 7. The electrode of claim 6wherein the outer width of the seating portion of the contact elementhas an outer diameter defining a circumferential flange.
 8. Theelectrode of claim 6 wherein a perimeter of the outer width is notcircular.
 9. The electrode of claim 6 wherein the contact element issecured within the electrode body.
 10. The electrode of claim 6 whereinthe seating portion further comprises at least one of an alignmentridge, a step, a pattern, a key-way, or a slot.
 11. The electrode ofclaim 6 further comprising a resilient element that biases the contactelement away from the electrode body.
 12. The electrode of claim 6wherein the electrode body comprises a cooling structure and theoutermost diameter of the electrode body is an outer diameter of thecooling structure.
 13. The electrode of claim 12 wherein the coolingstructure comprises a spiral groove.
 14. A swirl ring for a plasma arctorch comprising: a hollow body having a first end and a second end, thehollow body being dimensioned to receive an electrode for the plasma arctorch; the first end of the hollow body being disposed proximate to atorch body contact surface and having a nesting region configured toconform with and engage a surface of a contact element of the electrodeto axially align the contact element; and the second end of the hollowbody having an inner surface adjacent to an outer surface of theelectrode body.
 15. The swirl ring of claim 14 wherein the nestingsurface is configured to fixedly secure the contact element of theelectrode between the first end of the hollow body and the torch bodycontact surface.
 16. The swirl ring of claim 14 wherein the nestingsurface comprises a contour, step or flange configured to radially alignthe contact element.
 17. The swirl ring of claim 14 wherein the nestingsurface comprises a feature that is configured to promote alignment of acomponent of the plasma arc torch with a longitudinal axis of the hollowbody.
 18. A method for aligning an electrode within a plasma arc torch,the electrode including a contact element and an elongated body, themethod comprising: inserting the electrode into a first end of a hollowbody of a replaceable component such that the elongated body extendsinto the hollow body and the contact element engages the first end; andsecuring the contact element between the hollow body and a torchstructure, the torch structure having a longitudinal axis extendingtherethrough; such that the securing step causes alignment of theelongated body along the longitudinal axis by enabling mated contact ofa surface of the contact element with a corresponding surface of thehollow body.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the hollow body is areplaceable component of the plasma arc torch.
 20. The method of claim19 wherein the replaceable component is a swirl ring.
 21. The method ofclaim 19 wherein securing the contact element includes attaching aretaining cap to retain the electrode and replaceable component withinthe plasma arc torch.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein securing thecontact element includes applying a compression force along thelongitudinal axis that promotes transverse alignment of the electrode.23. The method of claim 18 further including radially aligning thecontact element within the hollow body by enabling mated contact of thesurface of the contact element with the corresponding surface of thehollow body.